Matrix-forming machine



4Sheets-Sheet 1. L. KIMBERLY.

' R Matrix-Forming Machine.

g pril 27,1880.

Patented A gnhmturz i itmssrs: 3

WM J ATTOKNEY.

N. PETERS, PHOTO L|TNOGAPHER WASHINGTON. D C.

.. 4Sheets-Sheet 2. R. L. KIMBERLY.

Matrix-Forming Machine. v No. 227,017. Patented April 27, 1880.

NKPETERS. PHOTO-LITHOGRAFHER, WASNINGTQN, D. C

4 Sheets-Sheet 3.

R. L. KIMBERLY. Matrix-Forming Machine.

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ATTOKNEYJ PETERS. PHDTO LITHOGRAPHER, WASHINGTON. D C,

' i 4'Sheets-Sheet4. R; L. KIMBERLY.

} Matrix-Forming Machine.

No. 22-7,'0-l7. Patented April 27, 1880.

N-EETERS, PHOTD-LITHOGRAPNER, WASHINGTON D L on line w .99, Fig. 1.

NITE STATES PATENT rrrcn.

MATRIX-FORMING MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 227,017, dated April 27, 1880.

Application filed July 17, 1879. 1

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, ROBERT L. KIMBERLY, of the city and county of Philadelphia, and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Apparatus for Manufacturing Matrices, which improvement is fully set forth in the following specification and accompanying drawings, in which Figure l is a side elevation of the apparatus embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a front view thereof. Fig. 3 is a horizontal section Fig. 4 is a bottom view thereof. Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the j us'tifier enlarged. Fig. 6 is a front view thereof, partly sectional. Fig. 7 is a top view of a detached portion thereof. Fig. 8 is a top view of one of the dies and a side elevation thereof, partly sectional. Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating the work.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the several figures.

My invention consists of mechanism for presenting dies in proper order to the action of a punch, whereby their impressions may be made in wood or other suitable material, and thus produce a matrix.

It also consists of mechanism, substantially as hereinafter set forth, first, for tripping the punch, whereby sharp blows are imparted to dies, and next for lowering the same.

It also consists of indices, constructed and operating as hereinafter set forth, for controlling or guiding the movements of the hand-lever of the apparatus, whereby the proper die will be advanced.

It also consists of dies adjustably connected to their stems,as hereinafter set forth.

It also consists of ,a die-carrier having longitudinal and transverse motions imparted to it by means as hereinafter set forth.

It also consists of the matrix-bed having spacing and lining motions imparted to it by means hereinafter stated.

It also consists of mechanism for restoring the matrix-bed to its first position.

It also consists of improvements in a spacing device or mechanical justifier, the construction and operation whereof will be hereinafter set forth.

Referring to the drawings, A represents a frame or stand, on the lower portion of which is mounted a rock-shaft, B, on which is fitted a disk, 0, having at its periphery an inwardly-projecting flange, O, the edge whereof is serrated differentially, as at a b.

1) represents a lever, which is pivoted to the rock-shaft B, and connected to the flanged disk (J by means of an arm, E, the outward end whereof is slotted, as at d, the slots receiving pins 0, which project laterally from the lever. To the lever is also pivoted an arm, F, which is connected to a segmental piece, G, which is fitted by a sliding joint on the rockshaft B.

In order to guide and retain the flanged disk and segment G in proper position, a rod, f, extending parallel with the rock-shaft B, is secured to hangers f, fixed to the rock-shaft and passed freely through openings on the portion of the disk and segment below the rock-shaft.

Surmounting the flanged disk 0, and rested on pieces 9 of the frame A, is an arch or semicylindrical support, H, to the periphery of which are fitted sliding bars J, whose outer edges are notched or serrated, as at h, constituting indices for the hand-lever D, which is formed with a knife-edge, is, (see Fig. 1,) for engagement with said notched edges or indices.

K represents the" die-carrier, which is set loosely on a table or support, K, of the frame A above the arch H, and consists of one or more longitudinal plates having perforations or openings j, (see Fig. 3,) in which are fitted and guided the dies L, a form of which is shown in Fig. 8.

Through the table K, at the center thereof, is passed a punch, M, for the dies, consisting of a rod, which, guided vertically in a boss or collar, k, secured to the table K, is jointed to a vertical toggle-lever, N, whose lower end by the inner limb of an elbow-lever, T, whose outer limb is bent or projects so as to be en- I gaged by the segmental piece Gr, it being noticed that the pin m and outer limb of the elbow-lever T are on opposite sides of said segmental piece G, and the detent S and lever T are pivoted to the cross bar orplate l.

U represents a carriage which has a longitudinal motion on the table K, and U represents a carriage which has a transverse motion on said table K, and the space where the bars of the two carriages meet receives the feet of the die-carrier K, whereby the motions of the carriages are imparted to the carrier.

To the carriage U is pivoted one end of a compound or two-part lever, V, whose other end is pivoted to the table K, and from one part of the said lever projects a pin, 19, which enters a slot of an arm, V, attached to the upper end of a vertical rock-shaft, W, which is mounted on the frame A, and carries at its lower end a slotted arm, W, into the slot of which projects a pin on the end of a spring sliding bar, X, which is mounted on suitable bearings on the piece 9 of the frame A and adapted to be engaged by the serrations a of the flange G of the disk 0. To the carriage U is pivoted one end of a lever, V, whose other end is secured to the top of a vertical rock-shaft, W, which is mounted on the frame A, and carries at its lower end a slotted arm, Y, into the slot of which projects a pin on the end of a spring sliding bar, Z, which is mounted on suitable bearings on the piece 9 of the frame and adapted to be engaged by the serrations b of the flange G of the disk 0. To the stationary portion a, of the frame A, above the table K, is mounted a transversely-adjustable carriage, A, from which'is suspended a matriX-bed, A, which is formed of two parts held together by springs and separated by a wedge, B, (shown in dotted lines, Fig. 1,) which is operated by a screw, D, fitted in one end of the upper or fixed part of the bed and engaging with the wedge for the vertical adjustment of the matrix-bed.

E represents a rack, which is connected to the upper part of the matrix-bed and engaged by a pawl or tooth, F, which is fitted by a sliding joint on a shaft, G, so as to rotate with said shaft and follow the transverse motions of the carriage A said shaft being provided with a ratchet-wheel or crank-arm, H, which is operated by a connection or pawl on a lever or handle, J, properly mounted on the frame and conveniently accessible.

The transverse movement and adjustment of the carriage A, and consequently of the matrix-bed, is accomplished by a screw, L, which is swiveled to the portion a of the frame, and rests engagingly on a half-nut, M, (see dotted lines, Figs. 1 and 2,) said nut being secured to ahinged arm, 1?, which is connected to the carriage A, and provided with a spring, I), suitably applied, so that the nut is held against the screw.

The pawl or tooth F is in the form of an elbow-lever, and its horizontal limb is fitted between uprights d rising from the carriage A, so as to move with the latter, and adapted to bear against the hinged arm 1? and depress it, in order to release the nut M from the screw L, when so required.

To one end of the screw is secured a ratchet, R, the operating pawl or tooth R of which is connected by an elbow-lever, c, to a vertical rod, R, pivoted at its lower end to an arm, f which projects from a horizontal shaft, S, whose bearings are on the frame A. Rising from said shaft at the center of the length thereof is a horn, S, (see dotted lines, Figs. 1 and 3,) with which is adapted to engage a segmental piece, S, secured, to the hand-lever D, said piece having a shouldered inner face, or is formed of different depths, as seen in Fig. 3.

The dies L (see Fig. 8) are fitted in the openings j of the plates of the carrier K, and in order to adjust them to the matrix-bed A" there is connected to each die, by a screw-threaded joint, a stem, L, which is adapted to be struck by the punch M, thus elevating the die. Owing to the threaded connection of the die and stem, the die may be moved nearer to or farther from the matrix-bed by screwing or unscrewing the stem, as is evident, thus regulating the depth of the impression.

It will be noticed that the serrations a of the flange 0 form a continuous step, and the serrations b are'on the edges of separated pieces or projections, which correspond in number with the serrations a, each edge forming a continuous step, so that to each serration a there are several serrations b in the corresponding opposite space. Furthermore, there are as many serrations a as there are perforations j of the die-carrier in the longitudinal direction thereof, and as many serrations I) for each piece of the flange O as there are perforations of the die-carrier in the transverse direction thereof. Each notch of the bars J indicates a die in the die-carrier K, or, in other words there is a predetermined system of letters, characters, &c., and each notch of the bars J has a mark or indication accord ing with one of said letters, &c., whereby the correct selection of any die is assured.

The operation is as follows: A properlyprepared piece of wood or other material suitable for the formation of the matrix is secured to the matrix-bed A and the latter adjusted relatively to the required degree of penetration of the dies or length or height thereof. The punch being at its lower position, the lever D is first rotated until its knifeedge 70 is opposite the desired indicating-notch of the bars J, in which movement it carries around the flanged diskO and segmental piece G. The serrations a b, which determine the die to be advanced, now stand opposite to the sliding bars X Z, and the lever is then forced in to the full extent. Owing to the levers and arms V V V and connected parts, the carriages U U are moved forwardly and laterally to such extent, andwith them the die-carrier, that the desired die is brought directly over the punch M, quickly following which is the tripping of the punch, which is occasioned by the contact of the segmental piece G with the elbow-lever T, which strikes the detent S and causes the spring-tooth R to disengage itself from the horizontal bar Q, the spring whereof forces out said bar, and by means of the arm P and arm N the toggleNis closed, thus elevating the punch, the action whereof is to force the die against the piece of wood held by the bed A and make an impression therein. The lever D is now swung rearward or outward, thus opening the toggle N and immediately lowering the punch, this being occasioned by the inward or return motion of the segmental piece G, which strikes the pin m and forces in the bar Q, and consequently draws out the arm N and toggle N, the tooth R then dropping into the opening a of said bar Q and holding it. As the disk 0 is returned by the lever D and remains stationary, the spring-bars X Z are no longer controlled by the serrations a b of the flange (J, and thus return to their normal positions and operate the levers and arms V V V and connected parts, the carriages U U thereby causing the die-carrier K to return to its normal position ready for the next movement. The forward movement of the punch is controlled by the segment G and that of the carrier by the disk (3. The return of the carrier is accomplished by the springs X Z, and the withdrawal of the punch by the positive action of the segment G, owing toits direct connection with the lever D. Now said springs cannot return the carrier to its place until the segment G has loosened the toggle N and the die begins to withdraw from the matrix material, for it must be observed that when the punch is at its full upward throw the relative die is embedded and held in the matrix material, and the carrier is thereby locked and prevented from returning to its first position, and said carrier is not unlocked until the toggle is first relieved and the punch begins to descend. When the segment S strikes the horn S the shaft S 1s rotated, thus raising the rod R and advancing the pawl or tooth R the engagement whereof with the ratchet R moves the screw L, and this advances the half-nut M, and with it the carriage A and matrix-bed A, laterally or transversely so that the matrix-pieceis moved the required space for the impression of the next letter or character, the extent of said space being greater or less relatively to whatever face of the segment S is brought in contact with the horn S. The lever D is again operated and other operations repeated until the first line of impressions is completed, after which,by means of the handle J, the pawl or tooth F is caused to engage with one of the teeth of the rack E and move the matrix-bed longitudinally the distance of one line, and the arm P is depressed, so as to disengage the halfnut H from the screw L, whereby the carriage A, and consequently matrix-bedr may be transversely run back by hand or a spring suitably applied, so that the matrix-piece is in position forreceiving the next line of impressions, and the former operations are repeated and continued until all of the impressions have been made, the result being a matrix.

An important feature of my invention is the justifier, which will now be described.

Attached to one side of the frame A, adjacent to the hand-lever D, is a box or casing, A, within which is mounted loosely on a shaft a series of ratchet-wheels, X, around each of which is passed a band, X, which also passes around a roller or pulley at the bottom of the box or casing.

To the shaft of the ratchet-wheels is connected a pinion, X, which gears with a pinion, Y, which is mounted on the upper part of the casing A, and has connected to its axis a finger or index, Y, which is adapted to sweep over a dial, Y, the latter being supported on the casing A, and having on its face circles of graduationssay one to five and a half range,'and ten subdivisions to each range.

In Figs. 1, 2, and 3 I present three ratchetwheels and bands; but the enlarged views, Figs. 5 and 6, show ten such wheels and bands; but the number thereof will be gaged to the work to be accomplished.

In each ratchet-wheel is a segmental slot, Z, and through the slots of the several wheels is passed a pin, Z, which is of elbow form and fixed to the shaft of said ratchet-wheels.

Z represents a lever, which has a swiveled connection to the casing A, and carries a tooth or pawl, Z, which is adapted to engage with the teeth of either of the ratchetwheels X.

To the lever is also secured a plate, T, having a serrated or stair-shaped edge, the serrations corresponding in number to those of the ratchetwvheels X; and said plate is adapted to engage with a lever, T, which is pivoted to the casing A and connected by means of arms 8 s to the shaft S.

On the bands X are marked characters relatively to the spaces of the different ems and subdivisions thereof, as shown in Fig. 6 but these may be varied accordingto circumstances or requirements of the words, 850., to be formed in the matrix.

In the art of printing, as is well known, it is desirable and necessary that the lines should be of equal length. The length of lines is technically termed the measure.

In setting type by hand the length of the line is determined and secured by, the insertion between the words of blanks or spacepieces; but inasmuch as type, as heretofore constructed, "ary irregularly in the lateral dimensions of their bases, not being made to a scale, the most skilled type-setter is unable, having a given sentence to compose, to determine in advance how many letters will be required to occupy the given line or measure, and hence, in practice, he inserts arbitrarily, as he progresses with his composition, blanks or space-pieces, removing or changing the same at the completion of the line, in order to secure the proper length of the latter.

Now, I propose to accomplish and do accomplish in my machine justification mechanically. To this end certain factors are essentialto wit, first, dies or type constructed to a scale, the unit of measure being what is known in the art of printing as the em, my type or dies being either full ems or halves, quarters, 85c.

\Vith such type, if the same were operated or set by hand, any compositor could determine, having his copy before him, precisely how m any type, const ructed as proposed, would enter into a given line or measure, and hence would have a perfect guide in theintroduction of his blanks or space pieces. Now, in mechanically operating type or dies so constructed the operator can as readily determine the same fact, and hence is required, secondarily, a proper mechanism either to actuate the dies or type, or, that which is the same thing, in a matrix-machine, to actuate the matrix-bed so as to have a greater or less movement as may be necessary to secure the proper spacing and preserve the measure.

Of course mechanism can be easily devised to secure variable movements of the matrixbed and matrix; but this alone will not accomplish the desired end, since there must be a standard, scale, or guide which will enable the operator to determine precisely the required movement of the matrix-bed and matrix at the proper time. Hence the third factor is the device employed by me, termed the spacing device. Before proceeding to describe in detail the component parts of this spacing device it is proper that I should state the fundamental idea embodied in the same, which is this: Considering its relation to the matrix-bed, and each being an extremethat is to say, the spacing device one extreme and the matrix-bed the other-there must necessarily be, and is, a mathematical relation between the two, the former being so constructed as to indicate to the eye of the operator the required movement of the latter to preserve the proper measure, 'and the intermediate means being'such as to enable the operator to readily effect such movement of the matrixbed as is indicated by the spacing device-to be the proper one at any given time.

Now I proceed to describe the details of said spacing device,'which will show clearly the mathematical relation existing between it and the matrix-bed, and how the former indicates the proper movement of the latter,

and I will then describe the intermediate mechanism whereby the required movement of the matrix-bed is effected. In the first place the operator knows the measure, and as Words are formed from type or dies of standard size be can determine readily how many dies or type will occupy said measure; and as there must be a space between each two words he can also determine in advance the number and size of spaces that will be required to occupy the measure in every particular combination of words. New I have divided the em space into tenths. I have constructed a dial-plate,

numerically divided, upon the outer circle. of

which are the figures 1 1!; 2 2g, 8tc., and upon the inner circle of which is the series 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 S 9 10 repeated under the series 1 1% 2, &c. The outer subdivisions, 1 1% 2, &c., represent, respectively, an em space, one and onehalfem space, &c., and the inner series represents the various subdivisions into tenths of such em, one-and-oue-half cm, 830., spaces. Upon this dial plate is a pointer or finger (marked Y,) which pointeris fixed upon a shaft connected with a gear-wheel, and which gearwheel,Y, as it is rotated, actuates and revolves wheels X. Passing over the latter are endless tapes or hands X", upon which are certain figures in series, to wit, 2 2 2, 3 33, 5 5 5, &c., representing similar subdivisions of em spaces, and which bands, of course, are moved as are the wheels over which they pass, thus exposing to the view of the operator any particular series or combination of series. Going back, then, to the pointer on the dial-plate. Now suppose I have a given sentence to be composed. The measure, let it be supposed, embraces ten ems. Let it be further supposed that I have three words and a capital letter which together will make seven and one-half ems. Now, I know in advance that there must be a space between each two words, so I have necessarily three spaces, and as the words will occupy seven and one-half ems, and the measure is ten ems, I have two and one-half ems to be filled by the spaces. In other words, the spaces must be two of eight-tenths of an em each, and one of nine-tenths of an em. In the example as given, Fig. 9, the operator moves his pointer upon the dial-plate so that it will correspond with the figure 3 on the inner series under the figure 2g; of the outer series,

which means that there are two and one-half 12o ems of space to be divided into three spaces, and as this movement of the pointer has been made, the gear-wheel X will have been partially rotated, and with it the wheels X and bands X, exposing to the view of the operator corresponding figures upon the saidbands, thus enabling him to determine the proper movement of the lever Z to produce by its movement, and through its connections with the matrix-bed, the proper movement of the latter to give or produce the exact spacing as indicated upon the dial-plate.

It wil be observed that the lever Z is canal and a transverse movement, respectively. Attached to said lever is a notched plate, T, having ten notches or steps upon its face, said notches being intended to represent subdivis- 5 ions-that is, one-tenth each of an em-space. The attachment between said plate and said lever is such that according as the narrow or wide end of said plate, by the transverse movement of said lever, is brought in contact with I the lever T, so is the movement of the latterless or greater-that is, one-tenth em, two-v tenths, &c., and for the same reason, through the connections 8 S R e, the pawl R is correspondingly moved, and the ratchet R, I which is also divided into tenths of em spaces, is also similarly moved, and thus the matrixbed A is moved one-tenth em, two-tenths em, &c., as desired. By the same longitudinal movement of the lever Z the wheels X, or such one as has displayed the figures upon its band, will be moved forward, indicating that such space has been employed in the composition or formation of the matrix, the purpose of said figures on said tapes being 5 to indicate to the operator the proper transverse movement of the lever Z in the first instance, to the end, in the second instance, that he may engage by its longitudinal movement the narrow or wide part of the plate T, and, as has been explained, said figures on said tapes; or the display of said figures to the view of the operator is determined by the movement of the pointer Y over the face of the dial Y, which prime movement is de- 3 5 termined by the operator according as is the measure of his composition and the copy being composed.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters 4 Patent, is-

1. A rotary disk having a flange the edge whereof has serrations forming a continuous step, and a series of projections each with serrations in step form, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2. The rotary lever D and rotary disk 0, with serrated flange O, in combination with the sliding bar X, shaft W, and lever and arm V V, substantially as and for the purpose set 5 forth.

3. The rotary lever D and rotary disk 0, with serrated flange G, in combination with the sliding bar Z, shaft W, and lever V, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

4. The matrix-punch M, projecting centrally through the table K, in combination with the toggle N, arms N and P, bar Q, and tripping mechanism, substantially as described, and with the transversely and longitudinally adjustable die-carrier K, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

5. The punch M, in combination with the toggle N, arms N P, bar Q, plate G, pin m, and spring-tooth R, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

6. The flanged disk 0 and lever D, in combination with the indices J, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

7. The matrix-dies L, connected to their stems L by threaded joints, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

8. The die-carrier K, in combination with the longitudinal carriage U, transverse carriage U, spring-bars X Z, and intermediate mechanism, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

9. The lever D, with segmental piece 8, having a shouldered face, and the shaft S, with the horn S, in combination with the matrix-bed A and intermediate parts, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

10. The matrix-bed A, secured to the car- L riage A, in combination with the screw L, half-nut M, hinged arm P, spring b, and el bow-pawl F, substantially as and for the purpose set forth. v

11. The matrix-bed A, provided with the rack E, in combination with the sliding pawl F, shaft G, hinged arm P, half-nut M, and screw L, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

12. A mechanical justifier having ratchetwheels X, with slots Z, bands X, pin Z, dial Y, index Y, and gearing Y and X, combined and operating substantially as and o 5 for the purpose set forth.

13. The lever Z with serrated plate T, pawl or tooth Z, and lever T, ratchet-wheels X, and band X, in combination with the transversely-operated matrix-bed and interme- I00 diate mechanism, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

14. The bands X upon the wheels X, divided into tenths of em spaces, in combination with the lever Z pawl Z, lever T, plate T, I 5 indicator Y,pointer Y, and gearing Y X, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

15. The bands X. dial Y, serrated plate T, and ratchet-wheels X, all harmoniously graduated into convenient fractions of em no spaces, in combination with the lever Z pawl Z, lever T, arm 8, shaft S, rod R, pawl R, ratchet-wheel R, and matrix-carriage A, for the purpose of moving said carriage transversely em spaces or fractions of em spaces, as desired, substantially as set forth.

ROBERT L. KIMBERLY.

Witnesses J OHN A. Wrnnnnsnnnvr, A. P. GRANT. 

